Capture Cutting Edge Video
Posts tagged film
Best Camcorder For Documentary
Mar 2nd
Best Camcorder For Documentary
Homelessness: An American Crisis
The Do’s and Don’ts of Legal Video
The Do’s:
CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE QUALITY FOR YOUR VIDEO BEFORE YOU START
Does the importance of your video evidence justify a Mercedes or a Chevy? Just as you expect a difference there, the same holds true for video. Remember, jurors and claims representatives are sophisticated viewers today. You must apply the same standards to your video presentation as you do to your practice because the quality of your video will reflect not only the image of you and your case, but the image that the viewer will perceive.
And don’t fall into the home camcorder/YouTube trap. Just because you might already post your law firm videos to your website or YouTube or because your family and staff watch the most popular or funniest YouTube videos, doesn’t mean they have a place in the courtroom or on a claims representative’s desk.
Budget your video production costs the same as you do your case presentation costs. If your goal is to settle by getting another $10,000. added to the last offer, then low production costs are appropriate. But if your case is worth a lot more or you are having problems getting the other side to move at all, then the only way to go is quality. And be prepared to pay for quality.
TARGET YOUR PRIMARY AUDIENCE
Before one iota is shot, make sure you have a clear, concise idea of who your audience will be and the results you want to achieve from your video presentation. Obviously the message you want to relay to a jury is different than to an adjuster. A video settlement documentary produced to pull the heart strings of a jury will backfire because its target audience is insurance company representatives.
Keep the theme of your case in mind and relay the points you want to communicate in your video to your video production team. Don’t get bogged down with camera angles, lighting and playing “director.” If you have chosen the right video production team and communicated to them the liability and damages of your case, you will not be disappointed in your final video.
LET YOUR WITNESSES TELL THE STORY
Today, we look back at videos we produced 30 years ago and laugh…
SETTLEMENT DOCUMENTARY #4240, SCENE 30: Attorney working at desk, turns to face camera and says:
“The facts of this case are clear. Doctors ought not take out the wrong disc. Your client did wrong and you know it. Any jury in their right mind would bring back $4 million for my suffering client. Let me have your offer today!”
Our best advice: don’t do it. Shut up and go sit down. Your day will come at trial. The secret here is to let your witnesses tell the story. Witnesses all have a story to tell and if you have chosen the right video production team, they will know how to elicit powerful and convincing stories from them to portray and edit together a dynamic and compelling video that will knock the socks off any claims representative.
CONTROL THE PLAYBACK OF YOUR VIDEO
Now that you have invested all this time and money into controlling what your audience sees, don’t forget to control how, where and when they see your video. Attention span of the viewer, quality of the playback equipment, time of day and an uninterrupted viewing session all affect the message the viewer receives thereby affecting your outcome. DVDs are best for quality and accessible viewing. Videos can also be uploaded and viewed either from your website or the other side’s, all in a confidential and safe manner. You can even get analysis of the number of “views” from posting your video to your own website.
The Dont’s:
MAKE YOUR VIDEO TOO LONG
In today’s fast-paced, information-packed, internet society everyone’s attention span is very short, including jurors and adjusters. Always try to adhere to the 13-minute rule. If your video message is crammed with too many details or runs too long, your audience will become apathetic to your message.
LET A NON-PROFESSIONAL PRODUCE YOUR VIDEO
In the discovery process, you get lousy video footage from investigators or court reporters, but contained in that footage are some “gem” sound bites that you would love to use in your settlement documentary. An experienced video production team will know how to enhance those videos and edit those pieces seamlessly into your final program. But as their titles dictate, they are not experienced video producers who know how to effectively communicate the facts of your case to a jury or claims representative. Using a non-professional may initially seem to be cost effective, but in the end is it really worth it if your video compromises your reputation and devalues your case because of amateurish footage and edits?
PIECEMEAL YOUR VIDEO
One of the biggest mistakes attorneys make is by fragmenting their settlement documentary by using clips of amateur videos edited together, resulting in a final program that distracts the viewer and lacks any kind of consistency. And a distracted viewer won’t get your message….and you won’t get your result. Working with the right production team will solve this problem for you.
Armed with this guide you will achieve better looking and enhanced results from your video settlement documentaries. And when a claims adjuster or jury views a video that’s representative of your best work, it not only enhances your credibility, but also your client and your case.
Contribution of Sindhis towards Development of Mumbai
 Canon XF100 Professional Camcorder with 10x HD Video lens, Compact Flash (CF) Recording List Price: DescriptionCompact in size, light weight and fully featured, the Canon XF100 Professional Camcorder can be tailored to fit a wide range of individual needs. While sharing many of the capabilities of the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders, including the Canon XF Codec and Compact Flash (CF) recording, the XF100 offers some exciting new features of its own. Whether used as a companion to the XF305 or XF300 or as a standalone camcorder, the XF100 is geared for a wide range of applications where high image quality, extreme portability, and efficient workflow are of the utmost importance. And with infrared recording and true stereoscopic 3-D production capabilities, the XF100 allows users to explore new creative outlets and emerging markets. The XF100 utilizes Canon’s XF Codec – a file-based MPEG-2 compression with an MXF File Wrapper that ensures the widest compatibility with existing industry infrastructure, metadata and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. The codec’s 4:2:2 color sampling provides ultra-fine transitions in tone and color for maintaining the highest image quality needed for advanced post production processing. The XF100’s newly developed Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens along with a Canon native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor delivers exceptional image quality. The XF100 also offers multiple recording bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates to expand creative flexibility, allowing users to work in virtually any production environment. Features
 |
Eligible for free shipping!  Sony Professional HVR-A1U CMOS High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom List Price: DescriptionThe Sony HVR-A1U camcorder captures 1080i HDV images using a newly developed 1/3-inch type, 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor with new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) technology that optimizes the performance of the CMOS sensor. The result is HD quality imaging that has been used to produce television and professional film content. Available at an extremely affordable price, the HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition by all video professionals. The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of high-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you need, when you need them. See large image HDV 1080i The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a flicker-free picture. Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop. 1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it’s ability to process a large volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range. Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD monitor Audio The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor. Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration. In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There’s also a zoom/focus ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control. Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You’ll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing. Also, the camera’s “peaking” function can provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus. Electronic Super SteadyShot system Sony’s electronic Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production–especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract movement. Tele Macro picks up details on subjects from a distance Tele Macro It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro function allows you to capture a macro image from a distance, which is useful for shooting small moving objects. Additionally, this function puts your subject in proper focus while leaving the background out of focus. The Hollywood look The HVR-A1U has features that can make your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe feature allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second–the speed of film–as opposed to video’s 30 frames per second standard. No new tape stock The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape stock, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of magnetic material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to regular DV tape. More camera features ·Assign button — get quick access to a variety of settings ·Time Code Preset — fill in any timecode starting value ·Shot Transition — creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes ·Color Bar — Two types ·Status Check — displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor ·Zebra — displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings ·Quick REC — shortens the record interval from stop mode. ·Personal Menu — allows operators to customize the setting menu ·Battery Info — displays the attached battery’s current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor ·Histogram Indicator — allows you to easily evaluate the brightness of your scene ·Super Night Shot — allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light ·Skin Tone Detail — reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin ·Black Stretch — allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones ·Backlight Compensation — produces natural tones for both light and dark areas of backlit subject What’s in the box HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, and operating instructions. Features
|
 Universal Bike & Motorcycle Handlebar Swivel Mount for Cell Phone, Treo, iPhone, PDA (Opens from 1.75″ – 4.5″) List Price: DescriptionThis bike mount for electronic devices is great for all types of riders, from beginners to professionals, this item will provide stability for that device that you want on your ride. Get yours today and save! Features
|
 Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom List Price: DescriptionThe HVR-HD1000U was created to meet the growing demand from users who are looking for mobility and professional appearance. This camcorder features a shoulder-mount design and black matte body similar to that of professional camcorders; making it perfect for weddings, corporate communications, colleges, universities, and sporting events where appearance makes a difference. Premium design characteristics and high-definition HDV1080i recording are the main features of this new one-piece shoulder camcorder, ideal for working videographers on a budget. A built-in down-converter creates DV material, perfect for standard DVD productions. Plus, a special still photo mode is ideal for producing DVD cases and making wedding photo albums. Whether you are recording weddings and corporate communications or helping students make a documentary, the HVR-HD1000U is the best choice on the market today as an entry level professional camcorder. Features
|
 Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Professional Video Camcorder List Price: DescriptionIntroducing the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional Camcorder, an industry-leading HDV handheld camcorder that features 1/3-inch bayonet joint interchangeable lenses, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording. A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow can be achieved using the supplied Memory Recording Unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a widely available CompactFlash solid-state memory card. This groundbreaking new camcorder features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes and also includes an HDMI or HD/SD-SDI output. This next-generation system features the HVR-M35U Video Cassette Recorder,which has HD/SD-SDI output. Features
|
 Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder List Price: DescriptionSmall enough to carry around and costing not much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the XL1S produces such high-quality results that it is sure to be the top choice for many independent filmmakers who demand full features and controls. Like its predecessor, the XL1, this camera uses three separate 270,000 pixel CCDs (one for each primary color) for the best picture quality. The XL1S records digital audio, with two channels of 16 bit/48 KHz sound or four channels of 12 bit/32 KHz sound. The body is based on a magnesium-alloy frame for maximum durability. It ships with a 16x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, but is also compatible with other XL camcorder lenses. With an optional adapter, you can use Canon EF (EOS) still-camera lenses–some of which also feature optical image stabilization. Amazon.com Product Description Small enough to carry around and costing not much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the XL1S produces such high-quality results that it is sure to be the top choice for many independent filmmakers who demand full features and controls. Like its predecessor, the XL1, this camera uses three separate 270,000 pixel CCDs (one for each primary color) for the best picture quality. The XL1S records digital audio, with two channels of 16 bit/48 KHz sound or four channels of 12 bit/32 KHz sound. The body is based on a magnesium-alloy frame for maximum durability. It ships with a 16x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, but is also compatible with other XL camcorder lenses. With an optional adapter, you can use Canon EF (EOS) still-camera lenses–some of which also feature optical image stabilization. The electronics of the XL1S have many advanced features, including a number of programmed AE modes, as well as both shutter and aperture priority modes. There are two different auto modes, one of which allows you to adjust any setting manually, if you want, and the other, which adjusts every setting automatically and lets you adjust nothing. A spotlight mode automatically compensates for difficulties when shooting a subject bathed in a spotlight. The computer-shooting mode gets rid of monitor flicker that happens when shooting a computer screen. There are also three different shooting modes: normal movie, digital photo, and frame movie. Normal movie mode is for any time you want to shoot video footage. Digital-photo mode records a still image for six seconds on the MiniDV tape and also captures any accompanying audio for a commentary track. The frame movie mode records 30 noninterlaced still images per second, instead of capturing 60 fps interlaced images. This mode isn’t intended to be used for shooting video (playback may not look completely smooth). Rather, frame movie mode should be used as a burst, or continuous, shooting mode, like you’d find on a still camera. The XL1S offers many new and updated features over the XL1. There is a 16:9 shooting mode where electronic lines draw are displayed through the viewfinder so you can compose your shots flexibly for later conversion to HDTV, where 16:9 is the standard. SMPTE color bars help establish a proper color reference for shooting and editing. Interval recording lets you shoot time-elapsed motion video with intervals from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Zebra patterns help you determine overexposed areas in your shot so you can adjust the aperture and shutter accordingly. Digital Video Format and IEEE 1394 The XL1S is a consummate professional creation tool that supports the established industry standards, MiniDV and IEEE 1394. Support of these standards make the XL1S a flexible video creation tool that interoperates with standard DV equipment and computer editing systems as accorded by engineering, scientific and broadcast communities. DV Format Technology and Its Advantages The MiniDV format supported by the XL1S delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution — a 25% improvement over analog systems. The DV format allows for near lossless transfer within digital editing environments for faster creation, increased productivity and improved production quality of final prints. IEEE 1394 (DV Terminal) The XL1S comes standard with a DV terminal that conforms to IEEE 1394 for digital transfer of video and sound, in addition to regular video and audio outputs. The IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire®) standard allows editing, copying and recording of digital video over a single cable. This transfer format affords improved image and sound quality and is virtually free from generation loss. The 3 CCD System The XL1S maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism separates light passing through the lens into individual color components and each is sent to its own CCD. Compared to a single CCD, the 3 CCD system achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of high-end video production – wide dynamic range, low color noise, high-contrast detail, natural color resolution and low-aliasing. The 3 CCD system also makes advanced Pixel Shift (for increased image quality) and Low Light Recording (for increased flexibility) possible. The three CCD image sensors in the XL1S, each with 270,000 pixels, were specifically designed to capture as much image detail as possible and for shooting under extremely low light conditions. The size of each pixel is 72 square microns – 150% larger than the pixel-size on comparable DV models. The result is an approximate 4 dB improvement in sensitivity. This improved sensitivity means that each CCD can capture more information at all light ranges. In super low light, the XL1S still captures crisp and clear digital data. Under extremely bright conditions, the Pixel Shift capabilities of the XL1S greatly reduces vertical white streaks and smears, making it a consummate field recording device for all conditions. Because human eyes see green more clearly and readily, the green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail whereas the red and blue components together comprise the remaining 40%. With the advanced Pixel Shift on the XL1S, the green CCD is physically shifted the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel horizontally from the red and blue CCD, and the green signal is electronically shifted 1/2 pixel vertically. This shifting of the green CCD increases the sampling points, resulting in a system that is comparable to 410,000 pixel CCD systems in terms of resolution. With a larger pixel size and the process of Pixel Shift, the Canon XL1S gives wider dynamic range, better low light recording, reduced vertical smears, and high quality still images without sacrificing the highest resolution DV available. Audio and Video Inputs and Outputs The XL1S offers a plethora of means by which to get audio and video in and out of the camcorder. The XL1S is designed to handle two types of analog video input and output: using audio/video cables (composite) or S-video. There are four audio inputs and outputs. All connections are on the camera body. What’s in the Box XL1S Camera Zoom Lens 16x XL 5.5-88 mm IS BP-930 Battery Pack CA-910 Compact Power Adapter DC-900 DC Coupler SS-1000 Shoulder Strap WL-D32000 Wireless Controller SP-100 Shoulder Pad S-150 S-video Cable STV-150 Stereo Video Cable Lens Hood Features
|
 Sony HXR-MC2000U MC2000 Shoulder Mount Avchd Camcorder With SSE Package Including: Long Life Battery, External Travel Charger, Pro Fluid Head Tripod w/ Tripod Dolly, Shochproof Carrying Case, Wide Angle & Telephoto Lenses, 3 Piece Filter Kit, Video Light and much much more! Sale Price: $1,829.99 DescriptionThe Sony HXR-MC2000U Shoulder Mount AVCHD Camcorder is the go-to solution when you’re ready to leave tape behind and step up to a file-based video workflow. Whether shooting 480i standard-definition or 1080i HD video, this sturdy performer will capture hours of high-quality images onto either removable media or a spacious 64GB internal hard drive. Composite, component, and HDMI ports give you a choice of video output, while the included shotgun microphone is accompanied by a stereo mini jack to attach a second external mic. This Kit Includes: Supplied Manufacturer Accessories in addition to mentioned above: Features
|
 Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Flash Memory and Full Manual Control with SSE 32GB Advanced Pro Kit includes 2 Batteries, charger, soft & Hard case, 2 Pro lenses and much more List Price: DescriptionThe Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder is a fully featured, ultra-compact pro video camera that shares nearly all the functionality of the XF100, but in an even smaller, run-and-gun form factor. Sporting a 64GB internal flash drive and two SDXC-compatible card slots, the XA10 can record literally for days without running out of memory. Able to capture AVCHD video at bitrates up to 24Mbps, the camcorder’s native 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor also lets you choose 60i, 24p, PF30, and PF24 frame rates for customizing the look of your footage. Bringing further professional oomph to that footage is a Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens, with lowlight sensitivity to f/1.8 and a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 30.4mm-304mm. Manufacturer’s Supplied Accessories SSE Package Includes: Features
|
 Sony Handycam NEX-VG10 1080 HD Video Camera Camcorder with 18-200mm OSS Lens + Extreme Complete Handycam Accessory Package List Price: DescriptionFactory Supplied Accessories Include: SEL 18200 E-mount 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 with Lens Cap Body Mount Cap AC Power Cord CD-ROM Rear Lens Cap NP-FV70 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Large Eyecup AC-PW10AM Battery Charger USB Mini-B Cable Picture Motion Browser Software v5.2 Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Download Coupon User Manual package Includes: 16GB Hi Speed Error Free Memory Card Hi Speed Card Reader 3 Piece Professional filter Kit Includes UV,PL,FLD 3.5X HD Telephoto Close Up Zoom Lens 0.18x Professional Wide Angle lens With Macro Lens Professional 28 LED Video Light All Lenses includes a carrying case/ Pouch Professional large Aluminum Case With Foam Cut Outs 72 Inch professional tripod 5 Piece Lens Cleaning kit LCd Screen Protectors 6 Foot HDMi Cable Set Rechargeable Lithium Ion Replacement Extended Life BatteriesRapid Home and Car ChargerClose-Up Filter Set (+1, +2, +4 and +10 Diopters) Magnification Kit Features
|
 Brand New Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Handycam Camcorder + Huge 16GB Handycam Accessory Package Sale Price: $2,289.99 DescriptionThe Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Handycam is the first-ever large sensor video camera, merging the rich colors, enhanced light sensitivity, and shallow depth-of-field of video DSLRs with the shape, size, and functionality of a camcorder. That means no more rigging out your video-enabled DSLR with accessories that cost twice as much as the camera–and no more funneling your video through the tiny sensors and fixed lenses of camcorders past. Factory Supplied Accessories Include: SEL 18200 E-mount 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 with Lens Cap Body Mount Cap AC Power Cord CD-ROM Rear Lens Cap NP-FV70 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Large Eyecup AC-PW10AM Battery Charger USB Mini-B Cable Picture Motion Browser Software v5.2 Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Download Coupon User Manual package Includes: 16GB Hi Speed Error Free Memory Card Hi Speed Card Reader 3 Piece Professional filter Kit Includes UV,PL,FLD Professional Extra large Deluxe carrying case 72 Inch professional tripod 5 Piece Lens Cleaning kit LCd Screen Protectors 6 Foot HDMi Cable Set Features
|